Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato has rejected the declaration of William Powi last Friday as the Southern Highlands Provincial Seat winner.
Powi is a People’s National Congress Party candidate defending his seat in the 2017 National Election.
“I rejected the declaration because they have yet to reach the absolute majority mark,” Gamato told Loop PNG this afternoon.
He added that counting must first be completed before a winner can be declared.
However, Powi and Provincial Returning Officer Jacob Kurap in a media conference today claimed the declaration was valid and in line with the Organic Laws of Provincial and Local Level Government Elections.
Kurap said the PNG Electoral Commissioner accepted the declaration because of the civil unrest in the Mendi in the last three days last week, which prompt the declaration.
The top three candidates from the progressive counting before counting was stopped are; the sitting Governor, William Powi was leading with 97, 772 votes, Joseph Kopal 60, 132 and Jerry Kiwai on 40, 142 after count 462.
Kurap also confirmed that 149 ballot boxes are yet to be counted.
Powi told the media that the decision was done because of the difficult circumstances to save life and properties in the provincial capital.
“Government will be formed and the people of Southern Highlands need to be represented on the floor of Parliament.”